Senate Bill No. SLS 26RS-55, introduced by Senator Abraham, seeks to amend and reenact various provisions related to the State Licensing Board for Contractors in Louisiana. The bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "commercial construction," "dwelling unit," and "manufactured home," while establishing specific requirements for residential roofing contractors. It also includes significant updates to the board's powers and duties, changes to license requirements, and administrative fees. Key provisions include a five-year limitation on disciplinary proceedings for license or rule violations, the requirement for applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal residents, and the confidentiality of criminal background information. Additionally, the bill mandates that funds collected from licensing fees be allocated to accredited construction management programs, with a two percent administrative fee retained by the board.

The legislation further modifies penalties for violations, allowing fines up to ten percent of the total contract value or a maximum of $10,000 for unquantifiable violations. It prohibits contractors from soliciting or accepting assignments of post-loss insurance benefits and defines "assignment agreement" in the context of property insurance. The bill also establishes confidentiality for investigative records until investigations are complete and ensures that oversight by the legislative auditor or inspector general is not limited. Other amendments include the requirement for licensees to maintain a current email address for board correspondence and an increase in the minimum liability insurance requirement from $100,000 to $500,000 for certain contractors. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB326 Original: 37:1(3), 37:2152(A)(2), 37:2155(G)(3), 37:2156(K)(3), 37:1(B)(1), 37:2(B)(2), 37:2157(A)(15), 37:2158(C), 37:2164(A), 37:2157(A)(19)
SB326 Engrossed: 37:1(3), 37:2152(A)(2), 37:2155(G)(3), 37:2156(K)(3), 37:1(B)(1), 37:2(B)(2), 37:2157(A)(15), 37:2158(C), 37:2164(A), 37:2157(A)(19)
SB326 Reengrossed: 37:1(3), 37:2152(A)(2), 37:2155(G)(3), 37:2156(K)(3), 37:1(B)(1), 37:2(B)(2), 37:2157(A)(15), 37:2158(C), 37:2164(A), 37:2157(A)(19)